John Petrehn took his first balloon flight in 1974 and was captivated by the experience. He spent the rest of his life setting records and persuing his dream by attempting to Fly Around The World in a Balloon.   Several of his records still stand today.
 Link to Records with the FAI.

"Our first successful world record came using standard technolgy meaning open wicker baskets and aluminum tanks in 1982, when we bettered Julian Nott's AX6 duration record of 12 hours, 20 minutes with a new record of 13 hours, 24 minutes in a flight from Prior Lake, Minnesota to Richland Center, Wisconsin. For this effort we were awarded The Harmon International Air Trophy." John Petrehn

In 1984 with new technology that he developed and received letters of Patent, in his specially constructed Kevlar "Flying Bagel"
he flew from Huron, SD and landed in Middletown, Illinois. In his Flying Lightbulb he set 5 world records
in distance and duration and was awarded the Montgolfier Diploma for this achievement.
More of the story...

The World Record Flight for Charity	Middletown, Illinois Historical Society honors John Petrehn's Records with a Historical Marker 1987	Around The World Concept	John Petrehn Inflating the 240 Preparing for Operation S.H.A.R.E.
Montgolfier Diploma John Petrehn & Kansas Congresswoman Jan Meyers	The Petrehn Family and the Flying Lightbulb To date, 6 of the 11 Petrehn Children are Hot Air Balloon Pilots. more information on Petrehn Pilots	The Flying Lightbulb	The Flying Bagel Patented Kevlar Fuel System
News clippings	John Petrehn Inflating the 240 Preparing for Operation S.H.A.R.E.	News clippings	Balloon Rides in the Kansas City Area
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